Review of the Hoglund and Sons Mark II Chronograph

MatthewT

9 months ago

Brandon Hoglund is an American YouTuber with the channel WatchesOnYou. After reviewing watches with price points from $65 to $650,000 he wanted to create a watch that encompassed what he considered desirable features that the high end watches have but at an affordable price. With the aid of a Kickstarter campaign in 2019 Hoglund and Sons was born.

Based in Minnesota, this micro brand produces a quartz and mechanical chronograph $95 and $299 respectively. I own the MarkII Chronograph, a hand winding Seagull ST1901 column wheel powered movement, exhibition case back sapphire, like the crystal, 42 hour power reserve and a 316L stainless steel case. Comes on a high quality leather strap and in a bamboo, yes bamboo circular box. Water resistance, lume, anti reflective all that but you have other watches that do those things better. But at under $300 for a mechanical chronograph built and designed by someone that cares more about producing the best watch at an affordable price then the bottom line, that is rare indeed. And Brandon Hoglund has done just that.

I recommend this watch for the man or woman that wants a connection to their watches, the hand winding aspect is a reminder that maybe we don’t need the watch but it sure needs us. And the Seagull movement is on full display via the sapphire case back and it is mesmerizing. At 40mm in diameter with a 48.5mm lug to lug and 20mm lug width the watch is both wearable and comfortable. You can chose between a reverse Panda white face or Panda or my favorite blue face with black sub dials. The Hoglund and Sons Mark II Chronograph is what the Seagull 1963 wanted to be when it grew up. Recommended with no reservations.